TN CM urges PM, Sonia to set up Par. comittee for BCs

Chennai, May 25 (UNI) Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi today urged Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh and UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi to constitute a Parliamentary committee for the welfare of the Backward Classes.

In a letter to them, a copy of which was released to the press here, he said the committee should be constituted on the lines of the Parliamentary Committee for the welfare of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes as found in Article 338 and 338-A of the Constitution.

Recalling the enactment of the Act by the UPA government providing 27 per cent reservation for OBCs in higher educational institutions and the Supreme Court subsequently referring to a Larger Bench, he said this had caused a setback to the social and educational advancement of the oppressed classes.

''It is not only enough to provide reservation at all India level to Backward classes for admission in educational institutions and for appointments in government services. It should also be ensured that the reservation is properly implemented and the various welfare schemes designed for their economic upliftment reach the targetted groups'', he said.

UNI